Start from the slipway at Dee Lane, next to the Marine Lake, walk towards Little Eye, the smallest of the three Islands, keeping it on your right. As soon as you pass Little Eye turn right and continue on the sand passing Middle Eye on your left. Between Middle Eye and Hilbre take the rough track over the rocks towards the small tidal pool. Once off the rocks turn left towards the gate at the south end of Hilbre.

Visitor facilities:

Groups are restricted to 50 people and permits are required in advance for any group of 6 or more persons. Visitor Centre. The Islands are cut off from the mainland by the tide for up to four hours out of every twelve. If you are planning a visit to the Islands you must allow yourself enough time so that you can leave Hilbre at least three hours before high water. Toilets are available at Dee Lane Slipway, West Kirby.

What to see:

It takes about 1 hour to cross the 2 miles to Hilbre. The Dee Estuary is one of the ten most important estuaries in Europe for the overwintering of wildfowl and waders. Its marshes, mudflats and sandbanks provide ample food for the many species of birds which spend the winter around its shores. The islands and other relatively high ground are used as roost sites when the tide covers the thousands of acres of flats which are exposed at low water.